Acute Bronchitis

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Tracheobronchila tree inflammation w/ mucous accumulation of the main airway passage to the lungs

Question 2

Etiology

Answer 2

Influenza, parainfluenza, coronavirus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, RSV

2-10% bacterail

Smoking

In/outdoor pollutants

Question 3

Main presentation

Answer 3

Acute onset of cough (+/- productive) occuring after URI

Ill family members!
Fever and dyspnea

Question 4

PE findings

Answer 4

Rhonchi that clear w/ cough

Question 5

If you hear rales instead of rhonci what is your differential?

What do you order to further dx?

Answer 5

Pneumonia

Order CXR, blood gas, WBC, BMP

• -> WBC will be elevated in PNA
• -> CXR negative in bronchitis

Question 6

What do you do if asthma is on your ddx to further figure out what it is?

Answer 6

Administer albuterol and if it helps then –> asthma

Administer methacholine and if it gets worse –> asthma

Question 7

How do you distinguish acute bronchitis from pertussis?

Answer 7

Culture w/ PCR testing of nasopharynx

Question 8

Treatment of acute bronchitis

Answer 8

Start IVs if dehydrated
Antipyretics
Ipratropium
Antitussives in uncomplicated cases
Smoking cessation

Do NOT give abx or SABA